PASCO ME-6955 1.2 m PAScar Dynamics System - Manual (Page 8)

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1 . 2 m P A S c a r D y n a m i c s S y s t e m E x p e r i m e n t 1 : C o n s e r v a t i o n o f M o m e n t u m i n E x p l o s i o n s
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Figure 1.1
2. For each of the cases in Table 1.1, place the two carts against each other with the
plunger of one cart latched in the third position and touching the other cart (see
Figure 1.1). Push the plunger of the other cart all the way in to its storage posi-
tion.
3. Tap the plunger release button and watch the two carts move to the ends of the
track. Experiment with different starting positions until the two carts reach the
ends of the track at the same time. Measure the masses of the carts. Record the
masses and the starting position in Table 1.1.
Data Analysis
1. For each of the cases, calculate the distances traveled from the starting position to
the end of the track. Record the result in Table 1.1.
2. Calculate the ratio of the distances traveled and record in the table.
3. Calculate the ratio of the masses and record in the table.
Questions
1. Does the ratio of the distances equal the ratio of the masses in each of the cases?
In other words, is momentum conserved?
2. When carts of unequal masses push away from each other, which cart has more
momentum?
3. When the carts of unequal masses push away from each other, which cart has
more kinetic energy?
4. Is the starting position dependent on which cart has the plunger? Why?
Table 1.1: Results
Additional
Mass on
Cart 1
Additional
Mass on
Cart 2
m
1
m
2
Starting
Position
x
1
x
2
x
1
/x
2
m
2
/m
1
0 0
500 g 0
1000 g 0
500 250